Changing The World with Persistent Optimism | Dr. Paul Zeitz

What if we were so optimistic, nothing ever felt like an obstacle, only an opportunity? As an unapologetic optimist, Dr. Paul Zeitz has overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to join forces with leaders around the world, tackling some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. A long-standing advocate for justice and human rights, including children’s rights, he has helped establish global programs to combat AIDS, TB, and Malaria.

 

From the US Constitution, to the climate crisis, to AIDs; our conversation with Paul is laced with optimism and radical, world-changing ideas. Affected by what he calls SIPO (self imposed persistent optimism), we glance back to how Paul became so positive and hopeful and why it’s become a lifelong habit of shifting his mindset.

 

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Topics

(4:07) Welcome and speed round questions.

(7:06) Should we rewrite the American constitution?

(11:17) Paul is affected by SIPO. What is it?

(15:14) Going from hating himself to loving himself.

(19:32) How can we transform our neuroplasticity?

(25:24) Love all, serve all.

(27:58) Four global initiatives Paul is involved in.

(29:52) How climate transformation is possible.

(36:49) Paul’s travel to 62 countries and how it's influenced his musical taste.

(43:18) An optimistic Grooving session with Kurt and Tim.

© 2022  Behavioral Grooves

 

Links

Dr. Paul Zeitz: www.drpaulzeitz.org  

Opinion Science Podcast: https://opinionsciencepodcast.com/ 

Alicia Keys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Keys 

Desmond Tutu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu 

Dr. Paul Zeitz's books:

• "Waging Optimism; Ushering in a New Era of Justice: Part 1: Ensuring the Survival and Flourishing of Humanity": https://amzn.to/3rZcsmC
• "Waging Justice: A Doctor's Journey to Speak Truth and Be Bold": https://amzn.to/3IJPQxm

Global Carbon Removal Partnership: https://www.carbonremovalpartnership.net/ 

Julie Battilana, Episode 288, “The Steps Needed To Empower the Powerless”: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/steps-to-empower-the-powerless/ 

John A. List, Episode 296, Fail to Scale: Why Good Research Doesn’t Always Make Great Policy: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/fail-to-scale-john-a-list/ 

Alia Crum: https://profiles.stanford.edu/alia-crum 

Shawn Anchor, “The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work”: https://amzn.to/3NPMrQ4 

Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

 

Musical Links

Robert Goulet “The Impossible Dream”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5H7lZMuUCM 

Nina Simone “Consummation”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is-gdWIBgHo

Flavors of Gratefulness – 120 versions of Modah Ani: https://www.rabbishefagold.com/hebrew_chant/modah_ani_app/

Shulem “Avinu Malkeinu”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27HaHpaFEC8&ab_channel=ShulemVEVO